IC San Francisco Master Thread [merged]
Mar 30, 2008, 8:23 am
#181
Join Date: Jan 2007
Programs: IB plus Platinum, JK Gold, BAEC Silver, LH Senator, PC Platinum Ambassador
Posts: 193
...rm 3302 and 3322 are King Suites? And there are no Jr Suites on this floor? What is the really big room on the far left end of the floor? Is this one of the Terrace or Bay Suites?
However, the hotel room descriptions say the Bay Suite(s) is on 32, the Terrace Suite(s) on 31, and the Pres Suite on 31 and 32. King 1 Br Suite are on 29 thru 33. No other suites are said to be on 33 -- so I'm confused what the big room on 33 is? Is it even a room?
Just wondering as we're confirmed now into a King Suite for our April visit.
However, the hotel room descriptions say the Bay Suite(s) is on 32, the Terrace Suite(s) on 31, and the Pres Suite on 31 and 32. King 1 Br Suite are on 29 thru 33. No other suites are said to be on 33 -- so I'm confused what the big room on 33 is? Is it even a room?
Just wondering as we're confirmed now into a King Suite for our April visit.
Mar 30, 2008, 10:23 pm
#182
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
I was on Easter weekend on 3302, very nice room, nice bedroom, nice bath with separate shower, nice living room with "loom", views are not the best ones (as room located) but they are quite nice. Amenities OK, but just "basic" ones... Ambassador complimentary fruit on room, Suite entitles you to use Club Lounge for free.
Mar 31, 2008, 4:59 pm
#183
Join Date: Nov 2006
Programs: Lots O Metal
Posts: 170
I've recently booked a King Junior Suite for a long weekend. I had originally planned to book a Club IC room, and inquired about the RA upgrade from that booking. I was informed that I could expect an upgrade to a King Junior Suite, which costs less than the Club IC room itself. 
From the current booking, A King 1 bedroom suite would seem to make the most sense, given a club room is only a one-level upgrade from the J. Suite... I think I would opt for the larger room over club access...
I believe the T&C's state a 2-level upgrade for RA's???
They are clearly still honing their upgrade policies. Look forward to reporting my results. ^
From the current booking, A King 1 bedroom suite would seem to make the most sense, given a club room is only a one-level upgrade from the J. Suite... I think I would opt for the larger room over club access...I believe the T&C's state a 2-level upgrade for RA's???
They are clearly still honing their upgrade policies. Look forward to reporting my results. ^
Mar 31, 2008, 5:39 pm
#184
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
My experience this past weekend started when I walked over from my first night in San Francisco where I stayed at the classic Palace Hotel using the SPG points&dollars rate for a nice, but basic king room. As I approached the new IC I found it difficult to recognize it from the artist's rendering as it did not seem that tall and the colour was an odd combination of white and pale blue, not the normal darker blue/black that the glass in most high-rise structures use. I then had to navigate a video crew who were cluttering the lobby and front entry all weekend. No doorman or anyone else offered to escort me through into the lobby. (strike one)
It was about 10am, so as a RA I should have no problem with early check in though perhaps might not immediately get access to the Jr. Suite I had been told I would be upgraded to (from the top-end King Club+4K PC points) in an email from the customer relations manager. However, unlike many here who have posted that their res booking actually showed their upgrade (from TravelZoo rates much lower than mine) to the aforementioned Jr. Suite with Club IC access (the post card promo, and supposed offering to all RAs) mine showed nothing other than my original category.
As is my normal process of checking in, I handed over my PC/RA card and announced that I had a booking for the weekend. As usual, the only response other than finding my booking was that my account number was already in the system as my card was handed back. She typed away to find a room and then proceeded to print off a registration sheet for me to sign. I also handed her my BOGO cert. After taking an imprint of my credit card (I was also registered in the VISA $50 gift card promo) she zapped my card keys and handed me a compact folder containing them. I had a suspicion my room was not upgraded, as she said nothing like: "as a Royal Ambassador we've upgraded you..." or "Your upgraded room is not ready yet, but in the meantime..." I played along and headed for what turned out to be the exact room type I booked.
At that point I did what I did when the same thing happened in Mexico City last year at this time, and headed to the Club lounge to speak with the receptionist/attendant. I explained that I thought RAs would be upgraded and even had an email confirming this. I also acknowledged that I knew others who booked the much lower TravelZoo rate who were not only upgraded to the aforementioned Jr. Suite, but also given Club lounge access. Having paid the highest rate available for a non-suite Club room, why was I noted being offered an upgrade? She typed away and offered me a Jr. Suite on the 8th floor with Club lounge access. She said all the others were occupied...nothing had been pre-blocked for me.
I said I might consider this if my rate was also reduced accordingly to a non-Club Deluxe King and thus had the two-category upgrade. I reminded her that other RAs were getting Club lounge access, so why should I pay the higher rate on that count too? She typed away again and found me 3322, a full one-bedroom suite on a Club floor, though it would not be ready until later in the day. I said that would be fine and since I had a few things to do for the balance of the morning and afternoon -- like heading off to do a brewpub tour of Berkeley! -- I would be back around 4p for my room. When I did get back at 4p, the room was still not ready so I passed another half hour in the lounge using the internet connection (but not being able to get onto FT, the only site that seemed to be giving me this access problem!) and enjoying a couple of lattés.
Finally I received the key cards and had my bags ordered up from storage. I checked out the room, then headed off for another hour of meandering through the neighbourhood, then headed back for drinks and hors d'oeuvres (a pretty good spread of hot and cold items, and the booze as described already by others). I went back to my room to find none of the basic RA/Ambassador amenities like water and fruit and gift. I called the lounge attendant and he promised to get this delivered by the time I returned from dinner. When I did get back, there was the Christian Lacroix designed bottle of Evian -- not as exotic as the one we receive in Chicago! -- and a plate of fruit, including some delightful miniature bananas, apple and pear, as well as regular sized grapes. But there was not "gift". I was to find out from another FTer who was staying there on the weekend, he received a gift of a toy cable car... (Strike two and three) Strike four was a coffee maker, one of those new high tech capsule ones, that only gave me cold coffee...Timothy's brand. It had to be replaced on the second day with one that actually heated the water!
So some of the staff have a lot to learn and I will be writing the customer service coordinator about this whole set of mess-ups. (When I got home I even found a message from her the day prior to my arrival, welcoming me and expressing the hope I would have a good stay!) The lounge staff did go out of their way to fix these problems, and to offer very good service to all of us making use of the lounge throughout the day. I think they pretty much knew their stuff. And on check-out there was no problem having my minibar charges not appear on the final bill, though the items did show on the video retrieval. Nor was there an issue over the movie. However, there was no record of my BOGO, which was left with the check-in agent, and likely applied to my original room! They removed the second night stay, but I am anticipating my VISA will be charged for the second night eventually!
Anyhow, it is a good addition to the IC offerings in the US. Lacks some of the character of the Mark Hopkins, but they are -- when they get it right -- trying to make RAs and even As and PC Plats happy with all the promos to offer a taste of what is on offer.
All in all, a bit of a frustrating experience but I suppose it will take better training of the non-Club level staff to resolve the primary one I encountered.
It was about 10am, so as a RA I should have no problem with early check in though perhaps might not immediately get access to the Jr. Suite I had been told I would be upgraded to (from the top-end King Club+4K PC points) in an email from the customer relations manager. However, unlike many here who have posted that their res booking actually showed their upgrade (from TravelZoo rates much lower than mine) to the aforementioned Jr. Suite with Club IC access (the post card promo, and supposed offering to all RAs) mine showed nothing other than my original category.
As is my normal process of checking in, I handed over my PC/RA card and announced that I had a booking for the weekend. As usual, the only response other than finding my booking was that my account number was already in the system as my card was handed back. She typed away to find a room and then proceeded to print off a registration sheet for me to sign. I also handed her my BOGO cert. After taking an imprint of my credit card (I was also registered in the VISA $50 gift card promo) she zapped my card keys and handed me a compact folder containing them. I had a suspicion my room was not upgraded, as she said nothing like: "as a Royal Ambassador we've upgraded you..." or "Your upgraded room is not ready yet, but in the meantime..." I played along and headed for what turned out to be the exact room type I booked.
At that point I did what I did when the same thing happened in Mexico City last year at this time, and headed to the Club lounge to speak with the receptionist/attendant. I explained that I thought RAs would be upgraded and even had an email confirming this. I also acknowledged that I knew others who booked the much lower TravelZoo rate who were not only upgraded to the aforementioned Jr. Suite, but also given Club lounge access. Having paid the highest rate available for a non-suite Club room, why was I noted being offered an upgrade? She typed away and offered me a Jr. Suite on the 8th floor with Club lounge access. She said all the others were occupied...nothing had been pre-blocked for me.
I said I might consider this if my rate was also reduced accordingly to a non-Club Deluxe King and thus had the two-category upgrade. I reminded her that other RAs were getting Club lounge access, so why should I pay the higher rate on that count too? She typed away again and found me 3322, a full one-bedroom suite on a Club floor, though it would not be ready until later in the day. I said that would be fine and since I had a few things to do for the balance of the morning and afternoon -- like heading off to do a brewpub tour of Berkeley! -- I would be back around 4p for my room. When I did get back at 4p, the room was still not ready so I passed another half hour in the lounge using the internet connection (but not being able to get onto FT, the only site that seemed to be giving me this access problem!) and enjoying a couple of lattés.
Finally I received the key cards and had my bags ordered up from storage. I checked out the room, then headed off for another hour of meandering through the neighbourhood, then headed back for drinks and hors d'oeuvres (a pretty good spread of hot and cold items, and the booze as described already by others). I went back to my room to find none of the basic RA/Ambassador amenities like water and fruit and gift. I called the lounge attendant and he promised to get this delivered by the time I returned from dinner. When I did get back, there was the Christian Lacroix designed bottle of Evian -- not as exotic as the one we receive in Chicago! -- and a plate of fruit, including some delightful miniature bananas, apple and pear, as well as regular sized grapes. But there was not "gift". I was to find out from another FTer who was staying there on the weekend, he received a gift of a toy cable car... (Strike two and three) Strike four was a coffee maker, one of those new high tech capsule ones, that only gave me cold coffee...Timothy's brand. It had to be replaced on the second day with one that actually heated the water!
So some of the staff have a lot to learn and I will be writing the customer service coordinator about this whole set of mess-ups. (When I got home I even found a message from her the day prior to my arrival, welcoming me and expressing the hope I would have a good stay!) The lounge staff did go out of their way to fix these problems, and to offer very good service to all of us making use of the lounge throughout the day. I think they pretty much knew their stuff. And on check-out there was no problem having my minibar charges not appear on the final bill, though the items did show on the video retrieval. Nor was there an issue over the movie. However, there was no record of my BOGO, which was left with the check-in agent, and likely applied to my original room! They removed the second night stay, but I am anticipating my VISA will be charged for the second night eventually!
Anyhow, it is a good addition to the IC offerings in the US. Lacks some of the character of the Mark Hopkins, but they are -- when they get it right -- trying to make RAs and even As and PC Plats happy with all the promos to offer a taste of what is on offer.
All in all, a bit of a frustrating experience but I suppose it will take better training of the non-Club level staff to resolve the primary one I encountered.
Mar 31, 2008, 5:52 pm
#185
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,359
...rm 3302 and 3322 are King Suites? And there are no Jr Suites on this floor? What is the really big room on the far left end of the floor? Is this one of the Terrace or Bay Suites?
However, the hotel room descriptions say the Bay Suite(s) is on 32, the Terrace Suite(s) on 31, and the Pres Suite on 31 and 32. King 1 Br Suite are on 29 thru 33. No other suites are said to be on 33 -- so I'm confused what the big room on 33 is? Is it even a room?
Just wondering as we're confirmed now into a King Suite for our April visit.
However, the hotel room descriptions say the Bay Suite(s) is on 32, the Terrace Suite(s) on 31, and the Pres Suite on 31 and 32. King 1 Br Suite are on 29 thru 33. No other suites are said to be on 33 -- so I'm confused what the big room on 33 is? Is it even a room?
Just wondering as we're confirmed now into a King Suite for our April visit.
Mar 31, 2008, 6:02 pm
#186
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,359
I've recently booked a King Junior Suite for a long weekend. I had originally planned to book a Club IC room, and inquired about the RA upgrade from that booking. I was informed that I could expect an upgrade to a King Junior Suite, which costs less than the Club IC room itself. From the current booking, A King 1 bedroom suite would seem to make the most sense, given a club room is only a one-level upgrade from the J. Suite... I think I would opt for the larger room over club access...
I believe the T&C's state a 2-level upgrade for RA's???
They are clearly still honing their upgrade policies. Look forward to reporting my results. ^
From the current booking, A King 1 bedroom suite would seem to make the most sense, given a club room is only a one-level upgrade from the J. Suite... I think I would opt for the larger room over club access...I believe the T&C's state a 2-level upgrade for RA's???
They are clearly still honing their upgrade policies. Look forward to reporting my results. ^
Mar 31, 2008, 6:08 pm
#187
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,359
I said I might consider this if my rate was also reduced accordingly to a non-Club Deluxe King and thus had the two-category upgrade. I reminded her that other RAs were getting Club lounge access, so why should I pay the higher rate on that count too? She typed away again and found me 3322, a full one-bedroom suite on a Club floor, though it would not be ready until later in the day.
Regardless, I'd say in the end you did pretty decently as I don't think it unreasonable to expect to be upgraded to a one-bedroom Suite if you book a Club room here.
Anyways, my RA gift was nowhere to be found either. I wonder why the inconsistancies with the RA gift?
Apr 1, 2008, 11:06 am
#188
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Princeton, NJ; Lviv Ukraine
Programs: UA 3.6MM, AF/KL Lifetime Plat, BA Gold, AA 1MM, IC Spire RA, Kimpton IC, Marriott Plat, et alia
Posts: 2,732
Apr 1, 2008, 6:14 pm
#189
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,359
Oh yeah, I forgot to mention that my $129 Travelzoo rate points and stay credit posted just fine to my account without any intervention by me a few days after I checked out..........................^
Apr 2, 2008, 7:43 pm
#190
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: YEG/YYC
Programs: AC E
Posts: 44
Upgrade Advised
Just picked up a message on my voicemail left by the hotel, informing me of my upgrade for next weekend (Apr 11-13). I am a new ambassador but PC Plat and this is my first IC plus BOGO stay. The message said I have been upgraded to a King Exec (booked King Deluxe); and also I will have complimentary Club Access.
Looking forward to a great weekend in SFO enroute to Palm Springs for a week. The concierge at the IC has us booked on a bus trip to the Redwoods and Winchester Mystery House on Saturday, and we booked a trip to Alcatraz on Sunday. So all that should be a busy but enjoyable start to our vacation. Very excited
Looking forward to a great weekend in SFO enroute to Palm Springs for a week. The concierge at the IC has us booked on a bus trip to the Redwoods and Winchester Mystery House on Saturday, and we booked a trip to Alcatraz on Sunday. So all that should be a busy but enjoyable start to our vacation. Very excited
Apr 3, 2008, 7:42 am
#191
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; HH Diamond;
Posts: 342
I too, just got a voice mail from the hotel about next weekend's stay. Except ... my previously confirmed upgrade to a King 1 Br is now a Jr Suite. 
Of course I have a printout of the King 1 Br confirmation from when it was showing in my reservations. How PO'ed should I be? Should I act indignant and play bardball?
Of course I have a printout of the King 1 Br confirmation from when it was showing in my reservations. How PO'ed should I be? Should I act indignant and play bardball?
Last edited by Nosmo King; Apr 3, 2008 at 9:53 am
Apr 3, 2008, 7:11 pm
#192
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
I too, just got a voice mail from the hotel about next weekend's stay. Except ... my previously confirmed upgrade to a King 1 Br is now a Jr Suite.
Of course I have a printout of the King 1 Br confirmation from when it was showing in my reservations. How PO'ed should I be? Should I act indignant and play bardball?
Of course I have a printout of the King 1 Br confirmation from when it was showing in my reservations. How PO'ed should I be? Should I act indignant and play bardball?
Apr 3, 2008, 7:16 pm
#193
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Curious, my points posted from this past weekend's stay overnight and I had an additional 1K bonus. It was for a 72-hour PC site booking bonus. However, when the TravelZoo rate was announced, I cancelled the booking I had made during the period of the 72-hour promo. When info here posted about BOGOs not being useable with that rate, I cancelled it and rebooked my original one (4K bonus rate). I still received the 1K bonus even though the new res was made several days after the promo period concluded. Won't argue since the full amount came to 13K, though the Visa $50 card bonus still doesn't show on my tracking page. Expect that one will register shortly.
Apr 3, 2008, 9:27 pm
#194
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: DCA
Programs: UA 1K; HH Diamond;
Posts: 342
Originally booked a King Exec. Received a 1 Br King Suite upgrade and confirmation on "my reservations" on the PC web page. Then last Friday I received the 'downgrade' phone call...
Apr 4, 2008, 5:15 am
#195
Formerly known as fsa_ea
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Up in the Air
Programs: UA GS/1MM,AS 75k,NK GLD,AA 2MM,DL 2MM,LH FT,AY PLT,IC RA,FMT LT PLT,HYT GLB,HLT DIA,MRT GLD,HRTZ PC
Posts: 2,229
If we return, I'll make apoint of tying up some IT guy's time with my computer "problem" in the lounge. Maybe then they'll fess up to what they've done!